Algerian Radio
In a powerful manifestation of continental unity, the Group of African Ambassadors in New York has unanimously endorsed Ambassador Amar Bendjama, Algeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, to be the next President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
This historic decision was reached this Thursday during a meeting of Permanent Representatives chaired by the Permanent Representative of Malawi, in her capacity as Chair of the African Group.
Ambassador Amar Bendjama is set to officially assume the leadership of the Council from late July 2026 until July 2027. His formal election by the full membership of the Council is scheduled to take place on July 23.
Following the official endorsement, Ambassador Amar Bendjama expressed his sincere thanks and deep gratitude to his African counterparts for their support and the trust placed in Algeria. He noted that Algeria is assuming this vital leadership responsibility in a context characterized by sensitivity and complexity for the global economy, particularly for developing nations.
"This significant responsibility comes at a critical juncture, marked by numerous global challenges," Ambassador Amar Bendjama stated. "Financing shortages, rising debt burdens, economic shocks, geopolitical crises, food security, disparities in access to technology, desertification, and the increasing impacts of climate change... all these factors continue to undermine our collective development efforts, especially in Africa."
To confront these overlapping crises, Amar Bendjama stressed the "urgent need for continental cohesion," asserting that Africa must speak with a "stronger, more coordinated, and more influential voice within multilateral frameworks" to serve and advance the continent's priorities as defined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
As Algeria prepares to lead one of the main organs of the United Nations, Ambassador Amar Bendjama outlined a clear and practical roadmap based on structural reform and equitable development.
Algeria’s primary priorities during its presidency will focus on the following pillars:
1. *Reforming the international financial architecture:* Pushing for a more equitable global financial system that effectively responds to the needs of developing economies.
2. *Addressing debt issues:* Working seriously to alleviate the stifling debt burdens that hinder local and national growth across the continent and in many developing countries.
3. *Eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities:* Supporting targeted socio-economic strategies to bridge growing development gaps and build resilient societies.
4. *Enhancing ECOSOC efficiency:* Revitalizing the Council to become a more flexible, effective platform capable of leading robust global coordination.
The diplomat reaffirmed Algeria’s full commitment to working hand-in-hand with all African member states to ensure their collective voice is heard loudly and their common interests are better defended.
"Our goal lies in strengthening the role of ECOSOC so it becomes a more effective platform for enhancing global coordination and advancing development aspirations in Africa," Amar Bendjama concluded.
